Portable, modular stairway system and device

ABSTRACT

A portable, modular stairway system and device, wherein lightweight yet sturdy components provide a structurally sound modular stairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking components facilitate ease of assembly, and wherein disassembled components define a limited dimension and weight, thereby facilitating easy packaging, transport, and/or shipping.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

To the full extent permitted by law, the present Non-Provisional patentapplication claims priority to and the benefit of United StatesProvisional patent application entitled “Portable Stairway,” filed onApr. 20, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 60/594,587.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to stairway devices, and moreparticularly, to a portable, modular stairway system and device, whereinlightweight yet sturdy components provide a structurally sound modularstairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking componentsfacilitate ease of assembly, and wherein disassembled componentspreferably define a limited dimension and weight, thereby facilitatingeasy packaging and transport, and/or standardized shipping within one ortwo containers. Although conveniently described in its preferred usewith a trampoline, the portable, modular stairway system and device ofthe present invention is suitable for assisting with access to hot tubs,mobile homes, and other raised height structures, whether temporarilypositioned or permanently installed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Entry onto or into a raised structure often necessitates the use of aladder or a flight of steps. Some exemplary raised structures includeaboveground pools, hot tubs, trampolines, recreational vehicles, andmodular homes. Most, if not all of the aforementioned raised structuresare typically utilized in a non-permanent location. For example, modularhomes are often used as temporary construction-site offices, moved fromlocation to location as jobs are completed. Recreational vehicles, evenmore so, are subject to frequent relocation. Above-ground pools, hottubs, and trampolines are all further examples of raised structures thatare not usually permanently installed, but which often require some typeof stair/step structure to enable access.

Prefabricated staircases have been designed, wherein one-piecestep/landing formations can be moved from one location to another andutilized as a freestanding structure. Such steps can be helpful andeffective, however, are often formed from heavy iron or wood, and arecumbersome and oversized, limiting transportability. Multi-componentstep assemblies have also been described, wherein modular componentsfacilitate assembly and disassembly, and avoid weather-relateddisadvantages. However, each such assembly, requiring screws, threadedrods, or other fasteners in order to function, is disadvantageous inview of the present invention.

Further, access from a freestanding landing into or onto a raisedstructure is not without risk; hence the need for hand and/or guardrails. For temporary structures like trampolines, for example, safepassage onto the play surface could be ensured by the incorporation ofprotective barriers. Presently described portable step configurationsare disadvantageous for such use in view of the present invention,wherein no such protective barrier is incorporated, nor is anyadaptation for receiving such a guard anticipated.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for portable,modular stairway system and device, wherein lightweight yet sturdycomponents provide a structurally sound, weather-resistant modularstairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking componentsfacilitate ease of assembly without necessitating the use of screws, andwherein disassembled components define a minimized dimension and weight,thereby facilitating easy transport for relocation, and generallystandardized packaging for inexpensive shipping, thereby avoiding theabove-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a set of portable steps with alanding, wherein the unit is formed from interlocking compositecomponents, enabling ease of assembly and portability, and wherein thepreferred use includes adaptation with a trampoline, whereinincorporated netting components or soft guardrails link to a trampolineedge and access-control gates may be included.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferredform, the present invention is a modular system and device for providingsafe access to and from trampolines and other raised structures, whereinthe stair system is provided in a plurality of pieces that can beassembled by ’clicking' into place, component stair treads are designedfor dual use in defining a platform or landing, and wherein adaptationsfor linking a soft net to an existing trampoline net facilitate theinstallation of a protective barrier, providing safe access for childrenand adults to the raised trampoline play surface, while avoiding injuryof any individual who accidentally falls into the net from thetrampoline.

More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferredform is a modular trampoline stairway device constructed of a pair ofrailed risers, a pair of landing risers, a plurality of treads, and apair of net rails. In the preferred conformation, each railed riserdefines a four-sided, molded structure, wherein the straight front edgeof the two railed risers, installed in a generally vertical position,defines the entry area to the stairway, and wherein the angled top edgesof the two railed risers define handrails for the stairway. The bottomedge of the two railed risers defines the base support, wherein thepreferred configuration includes a receiving port defined along thebottom edge, proximate the front edge, for receiving a tread membertherein, wherein the cross-positioned tread member imparts cross-supportto the railed riser structure, and wherein the rear edge of the tworailed risers defines oversized tab structures, complementary to tabrecesses defined in each landing riser, for interlocking therewith.

Each landing riser is generally square, with a front edge definingoversized tab recesses for mating with the respective oversized tabstructures of the railed risers, and with an essentially straight rearedge for generally flush positioning proximate the raised structure. Thebottom edge of each landing riser, like each railed riser, also includesa receiving port defined along the bottom edge, but proximate the rearedge, for receiving a tread member therein, wherein, again, thecross-positioned tread member imparts cross-support to the structure.

Each of the plurality of treads, preferably totaling eight, includesprotrusions extending therefrom, proximate the peripheral edges, forinterlocking with mating apertures defined in other structuralcomponents. For instance, each bottom edge of each landing riser andeach railed riser has appropriately positioned mating apertures definedtherein for receiving and securing tread protrusions therein forcross-support treads. Further, each upper edge of each landing riser hasappropriately positioned mating apertures defined therein, for receivingand securing treads thereon as the landing surface, wherein thepreferred configuration includes a three tread landing. Alternately, theprotrusions and apertures can be opposingly defined, wherein the treadscould have the apertures defined therein, and the risers could includethe protrusions. Finally, a plurality of step windows are definedthrough each railed riser, wherein preferably three treads are securelyreceived therethrough and secured therein to form three stepscross-supported between the pair of railed risers.

In the preferred embodiment for use with a trampoline and safety net,each landing riser has a plurality of strap receiving ports proximatethe top edge thereof, and each railed riser has a plurality of strapreceiving ports defined proximate the upper rear edge, wherein a pair ofwebbed safety nets extends from the upper rear edges of the pair ofrailed risers to a pair of trampoline net support poles, each safety netsecured via straps about the trampoline net support pole and theplurality of strap receiving ports in the risers.

Thus, during assembly the risers “click” together and the treads “click”into the risers for easy assembly by the consumer who would like toavoid nuts and bolts. The safety nets buckle or otherwise secure throughthe ports, thereby facilitating complete and secure assembly of themodular, portable stairway system without requiring screws or fasteningtools. Additionally, for easy shipping and/or transport, thedisassembled unit is preferably storable within a container or box witha total weight not exceeding seventy (70) pounds, and a maximumdimensional size of 130 inches, as calculated by length plus two widthplus two depth (L+W+W+D+D). Such a preferred size and weight enablesstandard shipping via standard rates, without overweight and oversizepenalties. Other dimensions, however, are contemplated, necessitatingthe use of more than one shipping container.

Thus, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tobe quickly, easily and securely erected.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tobe inexpensively shipped.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tosafely and easily connect to a trampoline net.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be disassembled and transported for reassembly at asubsequent location.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to define a lightweight yet structurally sound stairway andlanding from a minimum number of components, wherein all components aresized to fit together within a standard shipping container.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to define a lightweight yet structurally sound stairway andlanding from a minimum number of components, wherein the total weight ofall components is preferably less than the maximum allowed total weightfor standard shipping rates.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to provide safe access to and from a raised structure.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to provide a structure that is capable of assembly and usewithout necessitating tools.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to provide a structure that is capable of secure assembly andsafe use without necessitating the incorporation of screws or fasteningpins.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability for inexpensive manufacture and sale, yet maintaining anattractive and aesthetically desirable appearance.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsdenote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable, modular stairway system anddevice, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C are plan views of the preferred components for the portable,modular stairway system and device of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A shows arailed riser, FIG. 2B shows a landing riser, and FIG. 2C shows a tread;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred components for theportable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 1, showing thecomponents in a preferred packaging arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a safety net, according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portable, modular stairway system and device,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portable, modular stairway system and device,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable, modular stairway systemand device of FIG. 6, showing the device in position adjacent to atrampoline;

FIGS. 8A-8G are the components for the portable, modular stairway systemand device of FIG. 6, wherein FIG. 8A is an alternate step riser, FIG.8B is an overhead view of the alternate step riser of FIG. 8A, FIG. 8Cis a side view of a alternate riser railing, FIG. 8D is an overhead viewof an alternate step, FIG. 8E is a side view of the step of FIG. 8D,FIG. 8F is a front view of the step of FIG. 8D, FIG. 8G is a magnifiedview of the step of FIG. 8F, showing the fastener;

FIGS. 9A-9B are side views of a portable, modular stairway system anddevice, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention,wherein FIG. 9A shows an alternate safety net configuration, and FIG. 9Bshows an alternate rope threading implement;

FIGS. 10A-10B is a plan view of the riser components for the portable,modular stairway system and device of FIG. 9, wherein FIG. 10A shows arailed riser, and FIG. 10B shows a landing riser;

FIGS. 11A-11D are the riser components for a portable, modular stairwaysystem and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein FIG. 11A is a first linking member, FIG. 11B is asecond linking member, FIG. 11C is a railed riser member, and FIG. 11Dis a landing riser member;

FIGS. 12A-12B are the riser support components for a portable, modularstairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein FIG. 12A shows a side view of a railed riserand FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a landing riser;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a gate for use with the railed riserof the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 12A,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a tread for use with the riser supportcomponents of FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentinvention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein,specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplishsimilar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in the preferredembodiment is portable, modular stairway system and device 10,comprising a pair of railed risers 20, a pair of landing risers 60, anda plurality of treads 80, wherein each component 20, 60 and 80 arepreferably formed from injection molded, high density polyethylene(HDPE) with ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer additive in order to facilitateinexpensive manufacturing yet define a supportive structure capable ofwithstanding heat and UV light for extended periods of use outdoors.Although HDPE plastic is preferred, other materials could be utilized,including, but not limited to, PVC, nylon and/or fiberglass, and othertypes of manufacturing processes could be utilized, such as blowmolding.

Preferably, each railed riser 20 defines four-sided structure 22,preferably integrally formed from generally triangular-shaped base 24and rhombus-shaped rail structure 26. Preferably, each railed riser 20is adapted for use on either side of portable, modular stairway systemand device 10, wherein front edges 28 of each railed riser 20, asinstalled in a generally vertical position, define the entry area tostairway device 10, and wherein, preferably, angled top edges 30 of eachrailed riser 20 define handrails 32 for stairway device 10. Preferably,handrails 32 are dimensioned to extend from the front, or entrance edge92 of bottom step 86 a to the front, or entrance edge 94 of landingsurface 90, and are rounded on the top for user comfort.

Preferably, bottom edges 34 of each railed riser 20 provide base supportfor stairway device 10 when installed, wherein the preferredconfiguration includes receiving port 36 defined along bottom edge 34,proximate front edge 28, for receiving a tread member 80 therein,wherein the preferably cross-positioned tread member 80, invertedrelative to as positioned as step 86, imparts structural stability viabase cross-support between the two railed risers 20 as positioned in thepreferred structural conformation for stairway device 10. Alsopreferably, rear edges 38 of each railed riser 20 defines oversized tabstructure 40, wherein complementary tab recess 62 defined in eachlanding riser 60 interlock therewith during the preferred structuralconformation of stairway device 10.

Preferably, each landing riser 60 is generally square-shaped, withessentially straight rear edge 66 for generally flush positioningproximate to the raised structure selected, and with tab recess 62preferably defined in front edge 64 for interlock mating with respectiveoversized tab structure 40 of railed riser 20 during assembly and use ofstairway device 10. Preferably, bottom edges 68 of each landing riser60, like each railed riser 20, also include receiving ports 70 proximaterear edge 66, for receiving an inverted tread member 80 therein,wherein, again, the cross-positioned tread member 80 impartscross-support to the preferred stairway device 10 structure.

Each tread 80 preferably includes protrusions 82 extending from firstsurface 84 for interlocking with mating apertures 72 preferably definedin other structural components, including railed riser 20 and landingriser 60. For instance, receiving port 36 of bottom edge 34 of railedriser 20 and receiving port 70 of bottom edge 68 of landing riser 60each preferably define appropriately positioned mating apertures 72therein for receiving and securing tread protrusions 82 therein forcross-support treads 80. Further, each upper edge 74 of each landingriser 60 preferably has appropriately positioned mating apertures 72defined therein, for receiving and securing treads 80 thereon, to definelanding surface 90. Thus, the treads 80 are used as the horizontallyexposed surface of each step 86 f, 86 g, and 86 h, as well ashorizontally exposed landing surface 90, via treads 86 b, 86 c, and 86d, and additionally as structural cross-supports via inverted treads 86a and 86 e, preferably resting against the ground.

Landing surface 90 is preferably defined by three treads 80; however,landing surface 90 could be defined by any number of treads 80,including as few as one piece, depending upon the desired dimensions oflanding surface 90 and the dimensions of treads 80. Finally, pluralityof step windows 42 are defined through each railed riser 20, whereintreads 80 are securely received therethrough and secured therein to formsteps 86, cross-supported between the pair of railed risers 20. Thus,railed risers 20 define the support structure to which steps 86 areattached, thereby defining preferred stairway device 10.

In the preferred conformation and use with a trampoline T, portable,modular stairway system and device 10 further preferably comprises apair of safety rails 120, as seen in FIG. 4, in order to offer childrenand adults safe access from the ground onto a trampoline T, whereinlanding surface 90 preferably provides protection against falling viasafety rails 120, preferably extending from top spindle 130 of railingriser 20 to just beyond rear edge 66 of landing riser 60. The preferredwebbed net 122 provides a barrier to prevent people from fall off oflanding surface 90, but is not a dangerous obstacle if encountered whilefalling in the trampoline netting N while jumping on the trampoline playsurface.

In order to facilitate such preferred use, each landing riser 60 hasplurality of strap receiving ports 76 defined therethrough, proximatetop edge 74, and each railed riser 20 has plurality of strap receivingports 44 defined therethrough, proximate upper rear edge 38. Preferably,each safety rail 120, preferably a webbed net 122, extends from upperrear edge 38 of each railed riser 20 to a trampoline net support pole P,wherein each webbed net 122 is secured via first plurality of straps 124about trampoline net support pole P, second plurality of straps 126about plurality of strap receiving ports 76 of each landing riser 60,and third plurality of straps 128 about plurality of strap receivingports 44 of each railed riser 20. Thus, webbed net 122 is preferablyattached to top spindle 130, landing treads 86 b, 86 c and 86 d, andthen to trampoline net support pole P, wherein preferably, straps 124,126 and 128 are formed from canvas webbing, connecting via traditionalbuckles. Although buckles are preferred, however, it is envisioned thathook-and-loop fastener could be utilized. Further, although canvaswebbing is preferred, other suitable materials could be utilized, suchas leather, plastic, and/or woven metals.

For easy shipping and/or transport, stairway device 10, whendisassembled, is preferably storable within a container or box with atotal weight not exceeding seventy (70) pounds, and a maximumdimensional size of 130 inches, as calculated by length plus two widthplus two depth (L+W+W+D+D). Such a preferred size and weight enablesstandard shipping via standard rates, without overweight and oversizepenalties. Thus, in order to satisfy the preferred size and weightrequirements, for packing as depicted in FIG. 3, preferred portable,modular stairway system and device 10 is preferably designed to havethree steps, each seven inches (7″) in height, and ten inches (10″) indepth. Further, it is preferred that landing surface 90 is 30 inchesdeep, 36 inches wide, and 28 inches above the ground. For safety, allspindles preferably have gaps therebetween of no greater than threeinches, preferably 2 ¾″. Additionally, it is preferred that the handrailis 22 inches above the step surface, for an overall height of 50″ and atotal length of 60″ for stairway device 10.

Although other sizes and dimensional configurations are possible,wherein more than one shipping container could be necessitated and/or anoversized and/or overweight shipping container could be required, theabove preferred measurements and configurations facilitate that, whenunassembled, preferred stairway device 10, including both nets 122, tworailed risers 20, two landing risers 60, and eight treads 80, will fitinto a box with the total weight not exceeding 70 lbs, and withinmaximum dimensional size constraints of 130″, wherein a box, measuringexternally 53″×35″×21″, is suitable. As depicted in FIG. 3, risers 20and 60 are preferably stacked upon each other, with treads 80 positionedthereon. Nets 122 could be fit thereabout, with the box.

Thus, to assemble via preferred system for preferred use, duringassembly, risers 20 and 60 “click” together and treads 80 “click” intorisers 20 and 60 for easy assembly by the consumer, especially those whowould like to avoid nuts and bolts. The safety nets buckle or otherwisesecure through the retention ports, thereby facilitating complete andsecure assembly of the modular, portable stairway system withoutrequiring screws or fastening tools.

Portable, modular stairway system and device 10 could be assembled andutilized without safety rails 120, or safety rails 120 could have agenerally rigid conformation in lieu of webbed net 122, or webbed net122 could be secured via a different attachment methodology, rather thanvia plurality of straps 124, 126 and 128.

In an alternate embodiment, portable, modular stairway system and device10 could be utilized to facilitate entrance into a hot tub or mobilehome.

In another alternate embodiment, a railing attachment could be utilizedin place of safety netting 122, wherein a plurality of railingattachments could be installed above any edge of landing surface 90,thereby enabling use as an entrance platform, for either straight orside entry. Thus, the rail on the landing may be constructed of nettingfor use with trampolines, or a solid rail may be attached-for use withabove ground pools, mobile homes, RVs, trailers, or elevated storagecontainers.

In another alternate embodiment, portable, modular stairway system anddevice 10 could be entirely integrally constructed, in a non-collapsiblemanner; however, such construction would impose size constraints onportability.

In another alternate embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, landing riser 60 ofstairway device 10 could have more than one tab recess 62, whereinrailed riser 20 could have more than one oversized tab structure 40 tocooperatively interlock therewith.

In still another alternate embodiment, two treads could have aperturesdefined therethrough, proximate either end thereof, in order tofacilitate “snap like” insertion of a railing spindle, wherein therailing spindle could be utilized on either the left or right side ofthe stairway device 10 and the railing spindles could “click” intolanding riser 60 after passing through tread apertures defined wheretreads 80 would have otherwise carried protrusions 82. In such analternate manner, a generally rigid railing could be installed proximatelanding riser 60, wherein the railing spindles would hold treads 80 inplace.

Further, such tread apertures could be alternately configured andutilized to facilitate passage of a rope, as depicted in FIG. 11,therethrough to rope knot retention apertures 150.

Still further, railed riser 20 could be formed in two or more pieces,for example, as triangular-shaped base 24 and rhombic-shaped railing 26,such as depicted in FIGS. 6-8G, wherein treads 86 f, 86 g, and 86 hcould have apertures 81 defined therethrough, proximate either endthereof, in order to facilitate “snap like” insertion of a railingspindle 27, wherein the railing spindle 27 could be utilized on eitherthe left or right side of the stairway device 10 and the railingspindles 27 could “click” into triangular-shaped base 24 after passingthrough tread apertures 81 defined where treads 80 could carryprotrusions 82, or could be formed with apertures 81 only, withoutprotrusions. In such an alternate manner, a generally rigid railingcould be installed proximate triangular-shaped base 24, wherein therailing spindles would hold treads 80 in place.

In yet another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could includeeyebolts 172, or other suitable rope accepting structure, for securingand tying off a rope, and top spindle 130 could define rope threadingapertures therethrough, as seen in FIGS. 9A and 10B.

In still another embodiment, landing platform could have an integrallyformed rail structure to facilitate netting connection.

In other embodiments, then, as depicted in FIGS. 6, 9A-B and 10A-B,safety rail 120 could be secured to stairway device 10 via rope 170,wherein, as depicted in FIG. 10B, a plurality of loops 172 could bedefined along top spindle 130, adapted for interweavingly receiving rope170 therethrough, after passing through cooperatively spaced apertures174 defined in webbed net 122, as depicted in FIG. 9A, and securing vialanding aperture 176. Further, additional, similarly spaced apertures178 could be defined in webbed net 122, adapted for interweavingreceiving rope 180 therethrough, after passing around trampoline netpole P, to be secured via landing aperture 182. In such an alternateconfiguration, landing riser 60 could have elongated sleeve retentionaperture 184 defined therethrough, and webbed net 122 could haveelongated sleeve 186 defined there along, wherein elongated sleeve 186could be adapted with hook-and-loop fastener, or other closure means,for fixing about sleeve retention aperture 184.

Thus, in an alternate embodiment, apertures could be defined proximatecorners of landing surface 90, proximate stairs and proximate edge oftrampoline T, wherein the apertures could be adapted to receive a rope,knotted at one end, fed through the hole by the stairs, then used to“stitch” the net upwards, via loops along raised riser 20, wherein therope could continue through a sleeve at the top of the net and stitchthe other side of the net to trampoline pole P, ending, knotted, in thehole by the trampoline edge. The rope could be knotted and insertedthrough an aperture from underneath treads 80. The, rope could wraparound the top most “picket” on a handrail, looping through holes on anedge of the netting. The rope could then feed through a sleeve on thetop edge of the net, wrapping around the trampoline netting support poleP, looping through holes on the netting, and terminating at the otherhole. In such an embodiment, webbing at the edge of the net could alsobe stitched or otherwise permanently affixed around the top spindle ofthe railed riser.

In another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formedwithout receiving ports 36 and 70, wherein any other alternatecross-support methodology could be utilized. Or, in anotherconfiguration, receiving ports 36 and 70 could be defined such thatinverted treads 86 a and 86 e would not be in contact with the ground,or such that treads 86 a and 86 e could be installed in a non-invertedorientation.

In still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could have anoptional protective gate attached proximate the entrance area, whereinsuch a gate could be hingedly attached via hinge pins, could becompressively attached via springed extension rods, or could be attachedvia any appropriate means.

In yet still another alternate embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-D,risers 20 and 60 could continue to interlock, but could have centralizedtunnels defined therethrough, whereby an elongated bolt 200 or 202 couldbe extended therethrough, with nut and bolt head indentions 204, 206 inrisers 20 and 60 enabling flush positioning. Such an elongated boltcould be formed from a high-strength plastic, could be metal, or couldbe manufactured from any suitable material.

In another alternate embodiment, treads 80 could have elongatedextension members proximate outer edges, and/or could have aperturesdefined therethrough for optional bolts, or other types of elongatedconnectors.

In another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed fromone pair of risers, wherein landing riser and railing/step riser couldbe integrally formed.

In still another embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed withoutany railings or nets, wherein only risers and treads could be provided,thereby forming steps having opened sides.

In yet another alternate embodiment, when a rope or other lash is to beutilized to secure a safety net between stairway device 10 and atrampoline T, an elongated plastic threading member 220, as depicted inFIG. 9B, could be incorporated to reduce rope tangling, and to ensurethe rope stays appropriately configured, without slipping down thespindle to which the net is attached.

In still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could includethreaded height-adjustment members, proximate each corner of theassembled base, in order to compensate for potentially uneven groundsite installations.

In yet still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could beformed with plugged apertures, whereby water or sand could be filledtherein in order to weight the structure when in use.

In yet another alternate embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 12A, eachrailed riser 320 could define honeycombed, four-sided structure 322.Front edges 328 of each railed riser 320 could include gate supportmembers 323 in order to selectively block the entry area to theassembled stairway device via removable gate 410, depicted in FIG. 13A.Receiving port 336 is defined along bottom edge 334 of railed riser 320,proximate front edge 328, for receiving a tread member 380 therein toenhance structural stability. Also, rear edges 338 of each railed riser320 define oversized interlocking tab structures 340, whereincomplementary interlocking tab recesses 362 are defined in each landingriser 360, as depicted in FIG. 12B.

Bottom edges 368 of each landing riser 360, like each railed riser 320,also include receiving ports 370 proximate rear edge 366, for receivingan inverted tread member 380 therein, wherein, again, thecross-positioned tread member 380 enhances cross-support to theassembled structure. Like the railed riser 320, landing riser 360 couldpossess a honeycombed structural design, as depicted in FIG. 12B,thereby enhancing strength of materials while facilitating ease ofmanufacture and maintaining a lightweight configuration.

As shown in FIG. 13B, each alternate tread 380 includes apertures 382for interlocking with mating protrusions 372 defined in other structuralcomponents, including railed riser 320 and landing riser 360. Forinstance, receiving port 336 of bottom edge 334 of railed riser 320 andreceiving port 370 of bottom edge 368 of landing riser 360 each defineappropriately positioned mating protrusions 372 for receiving andsecuring treads 380 via protrusions 382. Further, each upper edge 374 ofeach landing riser 360 has appropriately positioned mating protrusions372 defined therein, for receiving and securing treads 380 thereon.Finally, plurality of step windows 342 are defined through each railedriser 320, wherein treads 380 are securely received therethrough andsecured therein to form steps cross-supported between the pair of railedrisers 320.

In order to provide protection against falling, apertures 400 could bedefined proximate upper edge 374 of each landing riser 360, andapertures 402 could also be defined in railed riser 320, proximate rearedge 373, wherein the apertures 400 and 402 could be adapted to receivea rope, knotted at one end, then used to “stitch” a protective“netting,” or rope barrier between each landing riser 360 and railedriser 320 in order to prevent people from falling.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A trampoline stairway device comprising, a plurality of risers; and aplurality of treads, wherein said risers are adapted to securely receivesaid treads, thereby defining said stairway device structure.
 2. Thetrampoline stairway device of claim 1, further comprising netting, saidnetting removably carried by said plurality of risers.
 3. The trampolinestairway device of claim 1, further comprising handrails.
 4. Thetrampoline stairway device of claim 4, wherein said risers are adaptedto securely receive said handrails, and wherein said handrails areadapted to securely mounted in said risers.
 5. The trampoline stairwaydevice of claim 3, wherein said plurality of risers is four risers,comprising two landing risers and two step risers, and wherein each saidhandrail is carried by one said step riser.
 6. The trampoline stairwaydevice of claim 1, wherein each said tread of said plurality of treadcarries a plurality of male interlock members and each said riser ofsaid plurality of said risers carries a plurality of coordinating femaleinterlock receptacles for receiving said male interlock members therein.7. The trampoline stairway device of claim 5, wherein each said stepriser is an integrally formed railed riser adapted to define a frontentry edge for said trampoline stairway device, a handrail for saidtrampoline stairway device, a plurality of step riser edges forreceiving and supporting treads, a base support edge, and a landing mateedge for securing each said step riser to each said landing riser. 8.The trampoline stairway device of claim 7, wherein said base supportedge further comprises a receiving port for receiving a tread.
 9. Thetrampoline stairway device of claim 7, wherein said landing mate edgefurther comprises at least one oversized tab structure, and wherein eachsaid landing riser comprises at least one oversized tab receiving port,for interlocking with said at least one oversized tab structure.
 10. Thetrampoline stairway device of claim 9, each said landing riser isfurther adapted to define a base edge adapted with a tread receivingport.
 11. The trampoline stairway device of claim 5, wherein saidplurality of treads is eight treads, three said treads upwardly carriedby and between two said landing risers defining a landing, three saidtreads upwardly carried by and between said step risers defining threesteps, and two said treads downwardly carried by and between two saidlanding risers and by and between two said step risers defining two basecross-support beams.
 12. The trampoline stairway device of claim 7,wherein each said landing riser further comprises a plurality of strapreceiving ports proximate the top edge thereof, and wherein each saidrailed riser further comprises a plurality of strap receiving portsdefined proximate the upper rear edge thereof, wherein a pair of webbedsafety nets are removably secured thereto.
 13. The trampoline stairwaydevice of claim 1, wherein said plurality of risers and said pluralityof treads are dimensioned to define a gross weight of less than seventypounds and to define a maximum dimensional size of 130 inches.
 14. Aportable, modular stairway system, comprising: a pair of railed risers;a pair of landing risers; and a plurality of treads, wherein each saidrailed riser, landing riser and tread is blow molded, high densitypolyethylene (HDPE) with ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer additive, andwherein a first railed riser interlockingly couples to a first landingriser, a second railed riser interlockingly couples to a second landingriser, and said plurality of treads extend therebetween, interlockingtherewith.
 15. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 14,wherein each said railed riser comprises an integrally formed, generallytriangular-shaped base and a rhombus-shaped rail structure.
 16. Theportable, modular stairway system of claim 15, further comprising a pairof safety rails, each said safety rail extends from one said railedriser, across said landing, and to the structure to which access isdesired.
 17. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 16, whereineach said safety rail is a webbed net.
 18. The portable, modularstairway system of claim 17, wherein each said webbed net is secured viaa plurality of straps.
 19. A method of assembling a stairway and landingdevice, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a pair of railed risers, apair of landing risers, and eight stair treads; b) interlocking a firstrailed riser with a first landing riser; c) interlocking a second railedriser with a second landing riser; d) interlocking a first end of afirst stair tread with a base edge of a first railed riser; e)interlocking a second end of said first stair tread with a base edge ofa second railed riser, thereby cross-linking said railed risers; f)interlocking a first end of a second stair tread with a base edge of afirst landing riser; g) interlocking a second end of said second stairtread with a base edge of a second landing riser, thereby cross-linkingsaid landing risers; h) extending each interlocked riser in a generallyvertical orientation relative to the ground, with said first and secondinterlocked stair treads positioned proximate the ground surface; i)interlocking a first end of a third stair tread within a first stepaperture defined in said first railed riser; j) interlocking a secondend of said third stair tread within a first step aperture defined insaid second railed riser, thereby defining a first step of said stairwaydevice; k) repeating steps i and j with a fourth stair and a fifthstair, until three steps are defined for said stairway device; l)interlocking a first end of a sixth stair tread with an upper edge ofsaid first landing riser; m) interlocking a second end of said sixthstair with an upper edge of said second landing riser, thereby defininga first section of said landing for said stairway device; and n)repeating steps l and m with a seventh stair and an eighth stair, untilsaid landing is defined by three steps.
 20. The method of assembling aportable stairway and landing device of claim 19, further comprising thesteps of: o) obtaining a pair of flexible safety rails, wherein saidsafety rails are constructed of materials selected from a groupcomprising netting, rope, elastic, and plastic; and p) installing saidsafety rails between said railed riser and the structure to be accessedvia said stairway and landing device.
 21. The method of assembling aportable stairway and landing device of claim 20, wherein said safetyrails are secured to a structure selected from a group comprisingtrampoline, above-ground swimming pool, hot-tub, mobile home, RV,trailer, elevated storage container, and motor home.
 22. The portable,modular stairway system of claim 14, further comprising at least onegate, each said at least one gate adapted to prevent access to saidportable, modular stairway system.
 23. The portable, modular stairwaysystem of claim 14, wherein each said railed riser further comprises aplurality of apertures adapted to receive a rope therethrough.
 24. Theportable, modular stairway system of claim 17, wherein each said landingriser further comprises an elongated aperture proximate the top edge,wherein said elongated aperture is dimensioned to receive and secure anattachment member carried by said webbed net therewithin and about. 25.The portable, modular stairway system of claim 14, wherein each saidriser further comprises a tunnel defined therethrough, each said tunneladapted to receive and seat an elongated bolt therethrough.
 26. Theportable, modular stairway system of claim 14, further comprising aplurality of nuts and bolts, and wherein at least one interlockingarrangement is bolstered via installation of a nut and bolt.
 27. Theportable, modular stairway system of claim 14, wherein said pair ofrailed risers and said pair of landing risers comprise a honeycombstructural configuration.